Four subsequent runs in Hong Kong see him line up rated 87 – with just two of 13 Derby rivals below him – and Gibson feels his War Front gelding is still playing catchup in relation to several more seasoned contenders.

“Gold Chest had two races on a straight track in the space of 15 days in England and when you do that and hit an 88 rating coming into Hong Kong it’s tough. You need mental as well as physical strength in these races and I just feel we’re a bit light in that category.

“A midfield draw is what we wanted, so stall seven is fine, but my gut feeling is that this might just come a bit too quick for him. What I do know is that he’s a very talented horse with class and ability. Win, lose or draw he won’t be running anywhere for a long time after Sunday but he could be a top performer next year.”

Gibson is well aware of how significant Akeed Mofeed’s thrilling Derby success was in helping him get established in Hong Kong and takes huge pleasure from the impact his former star is now making in his new career in Australia.
“The difference between Akeed and other Derby winners in the history of the race is that the horse has gone on to be a very successful sire, which gives you a lot of professional satisfaction,” he said.

“He’s moved to a bigger stud (Swettenham Stud in Victoria) and is going to be covering 180 mares, so that’s the proof of not only what a good racehorse he was but also what a great constitution he had to perform as a colt here.”